Ringworm in humans: what it looks like, how to recognize it, symptoms, and photos

Skin diseases are the most widespread in terms of their manifestations, as they are not easy to hide from others: they are almost always in plain sight and cause both physical and psychological discomfort. For an adult, it's much easier to cope with a sore throat than with chickenpox or lice. And if a form of lichen is added to the ranks of ailments, even a visit to the dermatologist becomes a terrible ordeal.

Types of lichen

You need to know your enemy in person to fight him effectively. Currently, 6 varieties of the above mentioned diseaseHowever, in reality, nothing stands still. Any living organism, including microorganisms that cause all sorts of diseases, evolves, changes, acquires new properties, and becomes more resistant to destructive factors. These are the laws of life on Earth, so it's at least impractical to state unequivocally that there are exactly six varieties. However, we will adhere to the classical views on this matter. So, the six types of lichen are:

1. Pink lichen;
2. Ringworm (trichophytia);
3. Scaly lichen (psoriasis);
4. Shingles;
5. Versicolor (pityriasis versicolor) lichen;
6. Lichen planus.

These are the main forms that most frequently occur in humans. Some are fungal in origin, others viral, and still others are dermatostomatitis. These diseases manifest when the immune system is weakened and the body is powerless to fight them on its own, so they are progressing at an alarming rateHere, vigilance and attention to your feelings and condition are crucial, as timely diagnosis is the key to successful future treatment. It's worth discussing each illness individually to understand its nature and what to watch out for and what to pay special attention to.

Pink lichen

An infectious skin disease of humans that is a contributing factor and is accompanied by characteristic spotted rashes. Typically, a primary, so-called maternal plaque — an inflamed, round or oval patch of skin with a scaly center. It can appear anywhere: on the back, stomach, neck, or even the groin. Soon after its appearance, small pink spots appear all over the body.

The attached photo clearly shows the original plaque and the inflamed, reddened skin around it. This clinical picture is observed in people with weakened immune systems. It usually occurs after a severe illness that literally undermines the body's defense mechanisms. Contrary to popular belief, pityriasis rosea is not contagious and is not transmitted by contact or spores.

Ringworm (trichophytosis)

Dermatomycosis, a skin disease of fungal origin, which affects the hairy areas of the bodyIt is an independent disease, not a concomitant one, and affects both humans and animals.

It is transmitted through any physical contact, such as touching an infected object or coming into contact with skin flakes or hair from an infected body. It can also be transmitted through spores on clothing or water, such as sharing a pool or shower with an infected person. Although a dermatologist examination is recommended before swimming, this is a one-time procedure, so there is a risk of a healthy person and an early-stage infected person coming into contact with the same pool. However, infection most often occurs through contact with infected animals. Therefore, ringworm is primarily seen in children, who have always been known to be especially fond of stray cats and dogs.

The attached photo clearly shows it inflamed area of ​​the scalp, devoid of hair. This is lichen. It is called ringworm because the mycosis affects the hair roots, causing hair loss and subsequent baldness.

Scaly lichen (psoriasis)

A non-infectious chronic recurring disease associated with pathological dysfunction of the human immune system. It manifests as skin rashes and growths of a red or yellowish-white color. Typically, psoriasis is caused by a disruption in the process of division and differentiation of epidermal cells, which is observed excessive growth of integumentary tissuesThe rash can appear anywhere: on the back, abdomen, thighs, limbs, and other parts of the body.

Psoriasis is not a concomitant condition, but due to a weakened immune system, patients often experience other dermatological and other conditions. Contrary to popular belief, psoriasis is not transmitted by contact or other means. However, scientists note its genetic nature, suggesting that the risk of developing psoriasis is inherited. The photo clearly shows fused psoriatic plaques on the back and back of the arms of the affected individual.

Shingles

A disease that has viral originIn most cases, it remains silent while the body is healthy. However, when the immune system is suppressed by a previous illness or stressful situation, this form of lichen manifests itself. The following clinical picture is observed: red spots initially appear on the skin along the nerve trunks, which then develop into inflamed, watery rashes resembling smallpox, localized as a clot in a specific location. Typically, the inflamed areas are horizontal and occur only on one side of the body.

The rash may appear on the neck, lower back, or the area from the back to the abdomen, but it is possible that it will also appear in other areas, such as the face or hands. The causative agent of the disease is one of the varieties of the herpes virus, so shingles is contagious and spreads through the air or direct physical contact with an infected person. The photo shows a typical clinical picture of shingles: a red, inflamed rash from the back to the abdomen with watery blisters.

Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor)

A fungal infection of the upper keratinized layers of the epidermis. The disease is notable for being caused by class of lower symbiotic fungi, permanently residing in the human body.

When all body systems are functioning normally, these fungi support the functioning of the sebaceous and sweat glands. However, when immunity is sharply weakened, for example, after a serious illness, prolonged stress, hormonal imbalance, or hyperfunction of the aforementioned glands, they begin to multiply rapidly and form first small pigmented areas, and then growths of a dark brown or, conversely, light flesh color, which are of a scale-like nature.

At the initial stage of development they look like pigment spots or areas of peeling skinHowever, a radial pattern later appears on the spots, indicating a fungal origin for this anomaly. Some people mistakenly confuse pityriasis versicolor with vitiligo, but as the spots develop, this misconception is dispelled. The attached photo clearly shows pigmented areas of the skin with a characteristic pattern reminiscent of lichen on tree bark. Contrary to popular belief, pityriasis versicolor is not contagious, meaning it is not transmitted by any known means, as it is part of the body's natural environment.

Lichen planus

This is a disease are classified as allergic dermatostomatitisVarious pathogens, including viruses and certain medications, have been implicated in the development of lichen planus.

The disease affects the upper layers of the epidermis and the mucous membranes of the mouth and internal genital tract, manifesting as small papules with an inflamed, scaly, red-purple surface with a waxy sheen and a characteristic reticular pattern. Papules can form on the inner cheeks, tongue, lips, and joint folds. The lesions often merge, developing into larger lesions. Ulcers may form at the site of the inflamed plaques. The attached photo shows papules and plaques of a characteristic color with a reticular surface pattern.

How to diagnose lichen in yourself?

Firstly, it's important to remember that the right to diagnose and prescribe treatment belongs exclusively to specialists—dermatologists—who have spent years studying the nuances of their responsible profession. Secondly, it's important to know that Self-medication is always punishable by complications, which often become chronic, so it's best to entrust your health to someone who knows their stuff. However, there are a number of signs that can help you tentatively determine the nature of certain abnormalities and detect them before they become severe, allowing you to seek medical attention promptly.

Main symptoms:

• Pityriasis rosea: the appearance of a large, single, foreign spot—the so-called "parent plaque"—which is yellowish, has a complex pattern, and is flaky. Similar, smaller lesions soon appear on the skin of the torso, indicating the disease. However, as soon as a so-called "parent plaque" is detected, a specialist should be consulted immediately. Pityriasis rosea typically appears after illnesses or stressful situations that compromise the body's immune system.
• Ringworm: On areas of the epidermis with abundant hair, including the scalp, ring-shaped red or purple spots appear, along with baldness at the site of the spots, itching, burning, and abundant dandruff. The disease spreads throughout the body at an alarming rate, making it extremely difficult to miss all these symptoms. Ringworm is a distinct, contagious disease that can be transmitted from both animals and humans through any contact.
• Psoriasis: dry, scaly lesions appear on any part of the body, be it the back, arms, legs, or genitals. Typically, solitary papules—psoriatic plaques with a keratinized, waxy surface—appear first, gradually spreading throughout the body. Psoriasis can also affect the nails, where painful yellow spots appear, and the nails begin to peel. It's worth noting that psoriasis is a chronic, non-infectious disease, meaning it's not transmitted by any known means.
• Shingles: severe pain, burning, and itching long before visible symptoms appear, followed by the development of a rash along nerve roots, often on one side of the body. Watery, inflamed blisters form on the skin, often oozing pus. In many cases, the rash resembles herpes in its final stages, which is unsurprising, as both diseases are similar in nature.
• Pityriasis versicolor (tinea versicolor): dark brown or light flesh-colored pigmented spots with a characteristic surface pattern appear on the skin, most often in areas of excessive sweating—the neck, lower back, and under the breasts. The number and size of the spots continually increase, making this type of tinea easy to recognize. Fortunately, this disease is not life-threatening, so even if diagnosed late, it is easily treated.
• Lichen planus: Red or purple, inflamed papules with a waxy sheen, slight scaling, and a sieve-like surface appear on the mucous membranes or skin. Initially, the lesions are small, no more than 2-5 mm in size, but they later grow, forming plaques that take on a pale purple hue. The affected mucous membranes become more sensitive, and the resulting inflammation often causes pain and itching. Bleeding gums and inner cheeks are also observed, along with occasional dry lips.

It is worth mentioning again that the final and only correct diagnosis can only be established specialist with higher medical educationTaking no action against your own health and the health of your loved ones is nothing less than a crime, which, although not prosecuted by law, is severely punished by life itself. If a dermatologist has any doubts, they won't read tea leaves; they'll send a sample for analysis, after which they'll be able to establish an accurate diagnosis, determine the cause, and prescribe appropriate treatment—correct and effective.

So what are the general reasons for visiting a dermatologist it is possible to identify:

1. Itching of certain areas of the skin;
2. Burning and redness;
3. The appearance of rashes or individual papules on the skin with an uneven surface and an unnatural color;
4. Peeling skin and hair loss;
5. Unreasonable pain;
6. Damage to the mucous membranes, their bleeding;
7. Change in color of individual areas of the skin, appearance of pigmented spots.

All these signs indicate that the skin condition is abnormal, which means it is necessary to identify the cause of these deviations as soon as possible in order to prevent the development of complications.